Pinnacle Systems has announced PCTV To Go, a placeshifting device similar in functionality to the Slingbox. Monsoon Multimedia, the maker of the HAVA placeshifting unit, is an OEM for Pinnacle. Both models retail for $250. In related news, I’ve had prototypes of both the Pinnacle and HAVA box (as seen above) for a month or … Read more
Channel Master just unveiled an $89 “smart” antenna, featuring “seven different reception patterns.” And I had the same question as you – what does that even mean? So I rang up VP Joe Bingochea to get some answers. It turns out the company has partnered with Ethertronics to integrate a variant of their “active steering” technology, … Read more
Looking for a Slingbox alternative? Belkin could have you covered when they launch @TV next month. Like Slingbox, Belkin’s upcoming $150 hardware relays audio and video from your DVR or other set-top to computer or mobile around the house or anywhere the world. Computer and iPad or Android tablet viewing software will be free, but … Read more
As we increasingly construct virtual identities and migrate our digital possessions into the cloud, it’s a worthwhile exercise to periodically reflect on these increasingly amorphous services. And my top two concerns are security and dependability. On the security front, my guiding principle is an assumption that just about any host can and will be hacked. … Read more
I spent some quality time catching up with the Hava team yesterday. They make a line of placehifting products that compete with the Slingbox. And like the Sling of old, Hava’s not afraid of taking on big media. In fact, they’re really rolling the dice and tempting fate by introducing Sociable TV. Taking an entirely … Read more
Since I’m notoriously slow writing up reviews, I’m harnessing the power of my still unreviewed yet highly relied upon Eye-Fi with the quirky but efficient WordPress 2.5 image gallery functionality to at least get some photos up of my latest goody… I’ve been contemplating replacing one of my TiVo units with an HTPC. And I’m … Read more
Both Mari and I have a Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick, though neither one of us is currently using it. However, don’t let that deter you… If you have a need, this is a decent product and a decent price (refurb): $45 shipped via Woot. In addition to using it with Pinnacle’s software, I believe … Read more
Now that we’re on to a new year of Christmas gadget giving, I thought it would be a good time to review the gadgets we gave (and received) in 2006. So I went back and looked at last year’s recap. And kinda wish I hadn’t. Of the seven gadget gifts in my household that I … Read more